1 Samuel 14:38
New International Version
Saul therefore said, “Come here, all you who are leaders of the army, and let us find out what sin has been committed today.

New Living Translation
Then Saul said to the leaders, “Something’s wrong! I want all my army commanders to come here. We must find out what sin was committed today.

English Standard Version
And Saul said, “Come here, all you leaders of the people, and know and see how this sin has arisen today.

Berean Standard Bible
Therefore Saul said, “Come here, all you leaders of the troops, and let us investigate how this sin has occurred today.

King James Bible
And Saul said, Draw ye near hither, all the chief of the people: and know and see wherein this sin hath been this day.

New King James Version
And Saul said, “Come over here, all you chiefs of the people, and know and see what this sin was today.

New American Standard Bible
Then Saul said, “Come here, all you leaders of the people, and investigate and see how this sin has happened today.

NASB 1995
Saul said, “Draw near here, all you chiefs of the people, and investigate and see how this sin has happened today.

NASB 1977
And Saul said, “Draw near here, all you chiefs of the people, and investigate and see how this sin has happened today.

Legacy Standard Bible
And Saul said, “Draw near here, all you chiefs of the people, and know and see how this sin has happened today.

Amplified Bible
Then Saul said, “Come here, all you who are leaders of the people, and let us find out how this sin [causing God’s silence] happened today.

Christian Standard Bible
Saul said, “All you leaders of the troops, come here. Let’s investigate how this sin has occurred today.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Saul said, “All you leaders of the troops, come here. Let us investigate how this sin has occurred today.

American Standard Version
And Saul said, Draw nigh hither, all ye chiefs of the people; and know and see wherein this sin hath been this day.

Contemporary English Version
Saul called his army officers together and said, "We have to find out what sin has kept God from answering.

English Revised Version
And Saul said, Draw nigh hither, all ye chiefs of the people: and know and see wherein this sin hath been this day.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
So Saul ordered all the leaders of the troops, "Come here! Find out what sin was committed today.

Good News Translation
Then Saul said to the leaders of the people, "Come here and find out what sin was committed today.

International Standard Version
Saul said, "All you army officers are to come here to find out what constitutes this sin today.

Majority Standard Bible
Therefore Saul said, “Come here, all you leaders of the troops, and let us investigate how this sin has occurred today.

NET Bible
Then Saul said, "All you leaders of the army come here. Find out how this sin occurred today.

New Heart English Bible
And Saul said, "Come here, all you leaders of the people; and investigate and see how this sin has arisen today.

Webster's Bible Translation
And Saul said, Draw ye near hither all the chief of the people: and know and see wherein this sin hath been this day.

World English Bible
Saul said, “Draw near here, all you chiefs of the people, and know and see in whom this sin has been today.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And Saul says, “Everyone draw near here, the chiefs of the people, and know and see in what this sin has been today;

Young's Literal Translation
And Saul saith, 'Draw ye nigh hither all, the chiefs of the people, and know and see in what this sin hath been to-day;

Smith's Literal Translation
And Saul will say, Draw near here all the corners of the people: and know and see in what was this sin this day.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And Saul said: Bring hither all the corners of the people: and know, and see by whom this sin hath happened to day.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And Saul said: “Bring here every single leader of the people. And we shall know and see by whom this sin was committed this day.

New American Bible
“All officers of the army,” Saul announced, “come forward. Find out how this sin was committed today.

New Revised Standard Version
Saul said, “Come here, all you leaders of the people; and let us find out how this sin has arisen today.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And Saul said, Bring here all the families of the people; and know and see wherein this sin has been committed this day.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And Shaul said: “Bring to me here all the tribes of the people, and know and see in what was this sin today
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And Saul said: 'Draw nigh hither, all ye chiefs of the people; and know and see wherein this sin hath been this day.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And Saul said, Bring hither all the chiefs of Israel, and know and see by whom this sin has been committed this day.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The People Save Jonathan
37So Saul inquired of God, “Shall I go down after the Philistines? Will You give them into the hand of Israel?” But God did not answer him that day. 38Therefore Saul said, “Come here, all you leaders of the troops, and let us investigate how this sin has occurred today. 39As surely as the LORD who saves Israel lives, even if it is my son Jonathan, he must die!” But not one of the troops said a word.…

Cross References
Joshua 7:10-15
But the LORD said to Joshua, “Stand up! Why have you fallen on your face? / Israel has sinned; they have transgressed My covenant that I commanded them, and they have taken some of what was devoted to destruction. Indeed, they have stolen and lied, and they have put these things with their own possessions. / This is why the Israelites cannot stand against their enemies. They will turn their backs and run from their enemies, because they themselves have been set apart for destruction. I will no longer be with you unless you remove from among you whatever is devoted to destruction. ...

Numbers 27:21
He shall stand before Eleazar the priest, who will seek counsel for him before the LORD by the judgment of the Urim. At his command, he and all the Israelites with him—the entire congregation—will go out and come in.”

Judges 20:26-28
Then the Israelites, all the people, went up to Bethel, where they sat weeping before the LORD. That day they fasted until evening and presented burnt offerings and peace offerings to the LORD. / And the Israelites inquired of the LORD. (In those days the ark of the covenant of God was there, / and Phinehas son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron, served before it.) The Israelites asked, “Should we again go out to battle against our brothers the Benjamites, or should we stop?” The LORD answered, “Fight, for tomorrow I will deliver them into your hand.”

1 Samuel 10:20-21
Thus Samuel had all the tribes of Israel come forward, and the tribe of Benjamin was selected. / Then he had the tribe of Benjamin come forward by its clans, and the clan of Matri was selected. Finally, Saul son of Kish was selected. But when they looked for him, they could not find him.

1 Samuel 28:6
He inquired of the LORD, but the LORD did not answer him by dreams or Urim or prophets.

2 Samuel 21:1
During the reign of David there was a famine for three successive years, and David sought the face of the LORD. And the LORD said, “It is because of the blood shed by Saul and his family, because he killed the Gibeonites.”

1 Kings 18:21-24
Then Elijah approached all the people and said, “How long will you waver between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow Him. But if Baal is God, follow him.” But the people did not answer a word. / Then Elijah said to the people, “I am the only remaining prophet of the LORD, but Baal has four hundred and fifty prophets. / Get two bulls for us. Let the prophets of Baal choose one bull for themselves, cut it into pieces, and place it on the wood but not light the fire. And I will prepare the other bull and place it on the wood but not light the fire. ...

2 Kings 3:11
But Jehoshaphat asked, “Is there no prophet of the LORD here? Let us inquire of the LORD through him.” And one of the servants of the king of Israel answered, “Elisha son of Shaphat is here. He used to pour water on the hands of Elijah.”

2 Kings 22:13
“Go and inquire of the LORD for me, for the people, and for all Judah concerning the words in this book that has been found. For great is the wrath of the LORD that burns against us because our fathers have not obeyed the words of this book by doing all that is written about us.”

1 Chronicles 10:13-14
So Saul died for his unfaithfulness to the LORD, because he did not keep the word of the LORD and even consulted a medium for guidance, / and he failed to inquire of the LORD. So the LORD put him to death and turned the kingdom over to David son of Jesse.

2 Chronicles 18:4-7
But Jehoshaphat also said to the king of Israel, “Please inquire first for the word of the LORD.” / So the king of Israel assembled the prophets, four hundred men, and asked them, “Should we go to war against Ramoth-gilead, or should we refrain?” “Go up,” they replied, “and God will deliver it into the hand of the king.” / But Jehoshaphat asked, “Is there not still a prophet of the LORD here of whom we can inquire?” ...

Ezra 8:21-23
And there by the Ahava Canal I proclaimed a fast, so that we might humble ourselves before our God and ask Him for a safe journey for us and our children, with all our possessions. / For I was ashamed to ask the king for an escort of soldiers and horsemen to protect us from our enemies on the road, since we had told him, “The hand of our God is gracious to all who seek Him, but His great anger is against all who forsake Him.” / So we fasted and petitioned our God about this, and He granted our request.

Nehemiah 1:4-11
When I heard these words, I sat down and wept. I mourned for days, fasting and praying before the God of heaven. / Then I said: “O LORD, God of heaven, the great and awesome God who keeps His covenant of loving devotion with those who love Him and keep His commandments, / let Your eyes be open and Your ears attentive to hear the prayer that I, Your servant, now pray before You day and night for Your servants, the Israelites. I confess the sins that we Israelites have committed against You. Both I and my father’s house have sinned. ...

Psalm 25:14
The LORD confides in those who fear Him, and reveals His covenant to them.

Isaiah 8:19
When men tell you to consult mediums and spiritists who whisper and mutter, shouldn’t a people consult their God instead? Why consult the dead on behalf of the living?


Treasury of Scripture

And Saul said, Draw you near here, all the chief of the people: and know and see wherein this sin has been this day.

Draw ye near

1 Samuel 10:19,20
And ye have this day rejected your God, who himself saved you out of all your adversities and your tribulations; and ye have said unto him, Nay, but set a king over us. Now therefore present yourselves before the LORD by your tribes, and by your thousands…

Joshua 7:14
In the morning therefore ye shall be brought according to your tribes: and it shall be, that the tribe which the LORD taketh shall come according to the families thereof; and the family which the LORD shall take shall come by households; and the household which the LORD shall take shall come man by man.

chief [heb] corners

Numbers 24:17
I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold him, but not nigh: there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel, and shall smite the corners of Moab, and destroy all the children of Sheth.

Judges 20:2
And the chief of all the people, even of all the tribes of Israel, presented themselves in the assembly of the people of God, four hundred thousand footmen that drew sword.

2 Samuel 18:3
But the people answered, Thou shalt not go forth: for if we flee away, they will not care for us; neither if half of us die, will they care for us: but now thou art worth ten thousand of us: therefore now it is better that thou succour us out of the city.

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1 Samuel 14
1. Jonathan goes and miraculously smites the Philistine's garrison
15. A divine terror makes them beat themselves
17. Saul, not staying the priest's answer, sets on them
21. The captivated Hebrews, and the hidden Israelites, join against them.
24. Saul's unadvised adjuration hinders the victory
31. He restrains the people from eating blood
35. He builds an altar
37. Jonathan, taken by lot, is save by the people
47. Saul's victories, strength, and family














Then Saul said
This phrase marks a pivotal moment in the narrative, where King Saul takes initiative. The Hebrew root for "said" is "אָמַר" (amar), which often signifies a declaration or command. Saul's leadership is on display, yet it is also a moment of crisis management. Historically, Saul's reign was marked by impulsive decisions, and this moment reflects his struggle to maintain divine favor and authority.

All you leaders of the troops
The term "leaders" in Hebrew is "פִּנּוֹת" (pinnoth), which can also mean "chiefs" or "heads." This indicates a gathering of those with significant responsibility and influence within the military structure. The historical context shows that Israel's military was organized with a clear hierarchy, and Saul's call to these leaders underscores the gravity of the situation. It reflects the communal nature of leadership in ancient Israel, where decisions were often made collectively.

come here
The phrase "come here" is a direct command, emphasizing urgency and the need for immediate action. In Hebrew, "קָרַב" (qarab) means to draw near or approach. This reflects Saul's desire for proximity and counsel, highlighting the importance of unity and collaboration in addressing the crisis. It also suggests a moment of reckoning, where the leaders must confront the issue at hand.

Let us find out
This phrase indicates a process of inquiry or investigation. The Hebrew root "יָדַע" (yada) means to know or discover. Saul's approach here is methodical, seeking to uncover the truth behind the day's events. It reflects a biblical principle of seeking understanding and wisdom, often through communal discernment and divine guidance.

what sin has been committed today
The word "sin" in Hebrew is "חֵטְא" (chet), which denotes an offense or transgression against God's law. Saul's concern with sin highlights the theological perspective that disobedience to God can have communal consequences. The historical context of Israel's covenant relationship with God meant that sin was not just a personal failing but a breach affecting the entire community. Saul's inquiry is an attempt to restore divine favor and ensure the nation's well-being.

(38) Draw ye near hither.--Round that rough unfinished altar, in the dark night, King Saul hastily summoned his leading officers and the prominent chiefs of the Israelites who had joined him in the late battle. The word rendered "chief of the people" (pinnoth) is literally, corner stones (as in Judges 20:2).

He would ask God's help in the casting of lots, to discover who of these was the transgressor, whose sin made dumb the Divine Oracle.



Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Therefore Saul
שָׁא֔וּל (šā·’ūl)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 7586: Saul -- first king of Israel, also an Edomite and two Israelites

said,
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר (way·yō·mer)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

“Come
גֹּ֣שֽׁוּ (gō·šū)
Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine plural
Strong's 5066: To draw near, approach

here,
הֲלֹ֔ם (hă·lōm)
Adverb
Strong's 1988: Hith-er

all
כֹּ֖ל (kōl)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

you leaders
פִּנּ֣וֹת (pin·nō·wṯ)
Noun - feminine plural construct
Strong's 6438: An angle, a pinnacle, a chieftain

of the troops,
הָעָ֑ם (hā·‘ām)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5971: A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock

and let us investigate
וּדְע֣וּ (ū·ḏə·‘ū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine plural
Strong's 3045: To know

how
בַּמָּ֗ה (bam·māh)
Preposition-b | Interrogative
Strong's 4100: What?, what!, indefinitely what

this
הַזֹּ֖את (haz·zōṯ)
Article | Pronoun - feminine singular
Strong's 2063: Hereby in it, likewise, the one other, same, she, so much, such deed, that,

sin
הַחַטָּ֥את (ha·ḥaṭ·ṭāṯ)
Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 2403: An offence, its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, expiation, an offender

has occurred
הָֽיְתָ֛ה (hā·yə·ṯāh)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be

today.
הַיּֽוֹם׃ (hay·yō·wm)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3117: A day


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OT History: 1 Samuel 14:38 Saul said Draw near here all you (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa)
1 Samuel 14:37
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